Savanna is a unique and captivating feminine given name of American origin. The name itself is derived from the African savannah, an expansive grassland ecosystem teeming with wildlife and natural beauty.
The origins of Savanna as a given name can be traced back to the mid-20th century in the United States. It emerged as a creative alternative to traditional names like Savannah or Savina, gaining popularity for its distinctive sound and exotic associations.
Historically, the savannah has been an inspiring symbol of wilderness, freedom, and untamed beauty. Naming a child Savanna evokes these powerful images and suggests a strong connection with nature and the wild. The name also carries a sense of adventure and exploration, reflecting the spirit of discovery that has long captivated human imagination.
In terms of its linguistic evolution, Savanna has undergone some variations over time. It is sometimes spelled Savannah or Savina, although the original form with two 'n's remains the most common. Regardless of spelling, however, all these variants share the same African savannah inspiration and evoke similar associations with nature and adventure.
Today, Savanna continues to be a popular choice among parents seeking distinctive names for their daughters. Its unique sound and meaningful origins make it an appealing option for those wishing to honor the beauty and mystery of the natural world while bestowing a memorable name upon their child.
The name Savanna has had an interesting journey in terms of popularity over the years in the United States. From 1916 to 1975, the number of babies named Savanna remained relatively low, with no more than seven births per year.
However, starting from 1977, there was a significant increase in the number of newborn girls being named Savanna. The name's popularity grew steadily over the next decade, reaching 27 births in 1982 and then doubling to 54 births in 1983.
The 1980s marked a turning point for the name Savanna, as it gained considerable traction among parents. Between 1984 and 1990, the number of babies named Savanna more than quadrupled, from 164 births in 1984 to 379 births in 1990.
The 1990s saw a further surge in popularity for the name Savanna. The peak was reached in 1997 with an impressive 1,278 babies being named Savanna. This trend continued into the early 2000s, with more than 1,300 births each year from 1999 to 2003.
Since then, the popularity of the name Savanna has gradually declined. Although it remained among the top 500 names for girls in recent years, the number of babies named Savanna dropped below 600 annually starting in 2004. In 2022 and 2023, there were only 390 and 354 births respectively with the name Savanna.
In total, from 1916 to 2023, there have been approximately 32,486 babies named Savanna in the United States. Despite its fluctuating popularity over the years, the name Savanna has left a notable mark on American baby naming trends during the late 20th and early 21st centuries.